Former Undisputed Lightweight Champion Devin Haney vacated his crown ahead of his fight with Regis Prograis in December 2023. This move opened up the lightweight division.
WBO has ordered current WBO Junior lightweight Champion Emmanuel Navarrete (38-1-1 31KOs) to face Ukraine's Denys Berinchyk (18-0 9Ko's) for the vacant WBO title. Navarrete used his super champion status to jump the line to immediately fight for the title per WBO rules.
Navarrete 29, is coming off a disputed split draw in November 2023 against Robson Conceicao. Scores were 114-112 Navarrete and 113-113 twice. After the fight Navarrete underwent minor hand surgery.
Berinchyk 35, a mainstay in the WBO rankings, will finally get an opportunity at a world title. Berinchyk defeat Anthony Yigit by unanimous decision in August 2023 on the Usyk-Dubois undercard.
The Lightweight Division Champion scene has some clarity now. Shakur Stevenson won the WBC title in a trash fight against Edwin De Los Santos in November 2023. George Kambosos will face Vasyl Lomachenko on May 11th in Australia for the vacant IBF. Gervonta Davis is WBA lightweight champion and should make a defense in the near future.
There is no official date for Navarrete-Berinchyk now. However, Top Rank has the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, CA on hold for May 18th. Navarrete fought twice in that venue in 2021.
Below Official WBO Letter:
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